Salt and Light Ministrieshttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org
Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:32:41 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.5FALLING IN LOVE WITH JESUShttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/falling-in-love-with-jesus/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/falling-in-love-with-jesus/#respondThu, 15 Feb 2018 09:32:41 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1258Continue reading "FALLING IN LOVE WITH JESUS"]]>Psalm 63
When we fall in love, we want to spend time with the object of our affection and willingly give our attention to the relationship. Falling in love with Jesus should be no different, but believers often hurry through Bible reading and prayer. The result is a superficial faith kept alive by habit rather than worship. To attain lasting intimacy, we must approach God with a sense of purpose and determination.

Purpose:“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the lord your God,” King David advised the leaders of Israel (1 Chron. 22:19). Believers must choose whether to pursue God or chase after idols. If we desire intimacy with Him, it is necessary for us to approach the spiritual disciplines purposefully. Before opening Scripture, ask the Lord what He wants to say to you. Pray to understand His ways—He loves answering that request. And enter church with the intention of taking home a new truth from the Lord.Determination: Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently,” Isaiah told Yahweh (Isa. 26:9). But even when we do not feel like putting time into our relationship with Christ, we must determine to do so. A revelation from God won’t come every day, but a believer need not despair. Those who diligently seek the Savior experience His presence frequently in their worship.
Getting to know Jesus brings pure joy into a believer’s life. However, we must be willing to offer Him prime time, not our leftover minutes. Giving God attention and spending time with Him is one way to show Him we love Him. God gives us His best; we should put forth no less in return.

STAY BLESSED

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/falling-in-love-with-jesus/feed/0DOING WHAT YOU CANhttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/doing-what-you-can/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/doing-what-you-can/#respondWed, 14 Feb 2018 10:18:05 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1254Continue reading "DOING WHAT YOU CAN"]]>“They criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me . . . She has done what she could.’ – Mark 14:5-8 NKJV

Jesus was visiting the home of Simon the leper when a woman broke a flask of oil and poured it on His head. Some observers immediately criticized her actions, accusing her of waste. They thought she should have sold the oil and given the proceeds to the poor. They could not imagine any way to justify her actions.
Interestingly, John’s Gospel tells us that this woman was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and that her primary critic was Judas Iscariot (John 12:1-8).

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently had emphasized the importance of taking care of the poor. But the act of this woman was different. He knew that she had done something special, while the motives of her critics were questionable. In fact, He gave her this profound endorsement. She had used the resources she had been given to do “a good work” for Him. In simple terms, “she has done what she could.”

In our lives, we all face criticism. Others may question our choices and conclude that we have made mistakes. But the only evaluation that really matters is the one we get from Jesus, when He looks at our hearts and motives. Will He say that we have done what we could?

In your life, remember that God looks at the resources He has given you. He looks at your heart and evaluates your priorities. Have you been faithful? Have you been a good steward of the resources you’ve been given?

Don’t allow criticism to make you discouraged. Renew your commitment to serve God, and seek to please Him. Then, make sure that you are doing what you can for His Kingdom. That you are doing “a good work” for Him.

Today’s Inspiration Prayer
Father, I commit my time, talent, and treasure to You. Help me not to be distracted by criticism but to stay focused on pleasing You. I will do what I can for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

STAY BLESSED

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/doing-what-you-can/feed/0FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPShttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/follow-the-footsteps/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/follow-the-footsteps/#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 12:11:42 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1251Continue reading "FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS"]]>“So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ ” – Luke 19:13, NIV

Some say we should redeem time, because time is short. The secular world often says that “time is money,” so be busy making money with the time you have. In the above passage the servants are told to put the master’s money to work until he returns. The master was saying he would return and would want a report or an accounting of what was done with his money.

Jesus Christ said a lot about work when he was in this world. He was in the world for a purpose:

• “ ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’ ”

(John 4:34, NIV)

• “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

(John 6:38, NIV)

• “And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business.’ ” (Luke 2:49, NKJV)

• “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4, NKJV)

• “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21, NKJV)

We are to follow in the steps of the Master whose purpose was to do the will of the Father. He was on a mission while in this world, and we have been left to continue the mission for the kingdom.

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15, NIV)

We must ask ourselves, “Are we living for the will of God, or are we just living a haphazard life investing in the perishable pursuits of this temporary world?”

Jesus has said, “Tell me what you think about this: A man had two sons. He went to the first son and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’ ”

(Matthew 21:28, NCV)

Each day we are to go to work in his vineyard. Daily, we need to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God to be serving the purposes for which he has created us. That will be different for each person, since “He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.” (Psalm 33:15, NKJV)

We want to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and set our minds and hearts on the things above.

We need to invest our time, talents, and treasures in the imperishable values of the kingdom instead of the perishable things of this temporary world. This happens as we discover how we have been uniquely created in Christ Jesus to do special works he prepared for us to do. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV)

Today, ask yourself:

1. Has God revealed to me the works he wants me to do?

2. Am I making it a practice to live for his will rather than my own?

Source: Kingdonomics.

STAY BLESSED

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/follow-the-footsteps/feed/0AFFIRMING AND SUPPORTING HURTING PEOPLEhttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/affirming-and-supporting-hurting-people/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/affirming-and-supporting-hurting-people/#respondSat, 10 Feb 2018 05:12:10 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1237Continue reading "AFFIRMING AND SUPPORTING HURTING PEOPLE"]]>The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit – Psalm 34:17-19.

INTRODUCTION

We often wish we could escape from troubles – the pain of grief, loss, sorrow and failure, or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down. God promises to be “close to the broken hearted” and to be our source of power, courage and wisdom, helping us through our problems. Sometimes He chooses to deliver us from those problems. When trouble strikes, don’t get frustrated with God. Instead, admit that you need God’s help and thank Him for being by your side.

REFUGE FOR THE WOUNDED

People with wounded hearts can be found in all walks of life. They are the people we characterize as having “hit bottom” or “made a mistake” or “taken a wrong turn.” Their offense can range from the least to the greatest. Some experience marital separation or divorce; others lose their jobs or take a cut in pay; still others lie or cheat or get caught in an illegal or unholy act. Some are wounded not because of what they did personally, but because their circumstances changed and they got caught in the cross fire. They are hurt because they became entangled with the wrong set of acquaintances.

Do you know any people who have wounded hearts? The wounded are our spouses, our children, our neighbours, our friends, our ministers, our leaders. They are people at work, in our family, or in our church. Christ has the power to heal a wounded heart and put people back on their feet. And you and I can be the link to that power. There are ways that Christ can use us to restore the wounded.

BE A FRIEND

A friend has been described in many different ways. A friend knows all about us and loves us anyway. A friend steps in when the whole world steps out. A friend is one who never gets in the way, except when we are on our way down. Once a group of teenagers were asked to define friendship. One of the students wrote, “Friendship is knowing there will always be someone around to lift you up when all others let you down.” But many wounded people do not try to work out problems with friends. They distance themselves from others. These faltering individuals are in need of love, acceptance, encouragement, and help, but instead they withdraw. This should not be allowed to continue, it is during those times that they truly need the support and affirmation of friends.

What do friends do? Friends refresh the wounded. They come alongside the hurting individual to offer support and encouragement. They help the struggler by assisting and comforting. They lighten the load of burden and pain. They bring refreshment like a cold glass of water on a hot day.

BE A FORGIVER

We humans have a great ability to recall old injustices, dredge up insignificant slights, and reopen old wounds. We tend to be unforgiving and unforgetting. One would think that Christians would be different, a kinder and gentler tribe. One would think we would be a people who, having experienced the grace and mercy of God, now pass that forgiveness on to others. But often that is not the case, the reality is often summed up in the poignant statement “Christianity is the only army that shoots its wounded.”

The Gospel is the Good News of the second chance. Those with wounded hearts can start over and have a new beginning. Jonah disobeyed God and hit out on his own, and he was given another chance. Peter denied Jesus and was later reinstated for service in the Master’s business. Paul attacked and persecuted the Christian community, and he was granted a new lease on life to share the love of Christ.

BE A FUTURE-GIVER

For those of us who want to bring healing to wounded hearts, we touch their future by giving them a hope of a new tomorrow. We restore their dignity by acknowledging their importance.

The New Testament provides a powerful example in Philemon. Onesimus was a runaway slave owned by Philemon, a leader in a church. Onesimus came into the company of Paul and was converted to Christ. Paul sent Onesimus back to his owner, Philemon, and appealed for the forgiveness of Onesimus. Philemon had Ones Imus’s future in his hands. It is interesting to note that the name Onesimus means “useful.” Paul played on that name by saying, Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me” (Philem. 11). Paul knew that Onesimus had a great future. But that future was dependent on Philemon’s action. By law he could have him executed. Or as a believer he could restore him to an exalted place of brotherhood and service. What did Philemon do? It would be nice if there were a postscript on this letter to indicate Philemon’s decision, but there is none. However, a church father named Ignatius, writing fifty years later in a letter to the Ephesians, addressed their wonderful minister, their bishop. His name? Onesimus. In this letter Ignatius referred to Onesimus as the one “who formerly was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” This could have been the same man – a former slave now a bishop.

What does a future-giver do? A future-giver restores one’s spirit. Paul wrote to the Galatians, Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently”(Gal. 6:1). The word “restore” was used to describe the mending of fishermen’s nets. Thus it conveys the idea of putting people back into workable and useful shape. That is what Jesus did for the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, and the man with the withered hand. That is what Jesus has done for us who are believers. Restoring the spirit of individuals can do marvelous things for their future. When Thomas Edison and his team were improving the first light bulb, he handed a finished bulb to a young helper, who nervously carried it upstairs step by step to the vacuum machine. At the last step, the boy dropped the bulb, shattering it into a thousand pieces. Consequently, the whole team had to work another twenty-four hours to make another bulb. When Edison looked around for someone to carry the new bulb upstairs, he gave it to the same boy. The gesture probably changed the boy’s life, Edison knew that more than a bulb was at stake.

Nurture with gentleness.

Another thing we can do for those who are hurting is nurture and encourage them with God’s gentleness. Gentleness builds up and affirms. It does not minimize the situation. Practically, you can reflect God’s nurture in a very real way by becoming what I call a “prayer listener.” Let’s provide a refuge where that person can share his or her feelings with safety and security, not worried about what you might think or say. While listening, let’s be in a continual state of prayer. Use what is said as a foundation for specific prayers.

Scripture is clear about prayer’s healing nature. James 5:15 says, “The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up.”

Never Forget: God Is the Healer

The story of Elijah’s encouragement is a testament that despite painful struggles, God heals people, enabling them to move forward with life and eventually become healthy again. What’s more, you don’t have to be a professional therapist to meet them at their lowest points. No matter what people are going through, with time and persistence on your part, you can play a significant role in their physical and spiritual healing.

Do you know a wounded heart? Do you know a wounded heart? You may be able to turn the wounded people around by offering friendship, forgiveness, and a hope-filled future.

TO PONDER:

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. – Proverbs 4:14-17

Stay blessed!

For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/affirming-and-supporting-hurting-people/feed/0ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDEhttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/only-god-can-provide/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/only-god-can-provide/#respondFri, 09 Feb 2018 12:31:34 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1247Continue reading "ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE"]]>“Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?” – Romans 8:32 TLB.

The major cause of stress in your life is worry. You worry because you wonder if you will have what you need when you need it. But anytime you expect other people to meet your needs instead of God, you’re going to be frustrated and disappointed, because nobody can meet all your needs. Only God can do that.
If you want a cure for stress, you need to learn to look to God to meet your needs.
Some people find their security in their job, and when they lose their job, they lose their peace of mind.
Others put their security in their marriage. Then their spouse dies or they go through a divorce, and they ask, “Who am I? What is my identity?”
Or maybe they put their security in their money. There are a lot of ways to lose money.
I recommend that you never put your security in anything that can be taken away from you. You can lose your job, your health, your reputation, your spouse, and your mind. But you cannot lose your relationship to Christ.
When you put your security in that promise, you can trust God to meet all your needs.

Romans 8:32 says, “Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?” (TLB).
If God loved you enough to send Jesus Christ to die on the cross, don’t you think he loves you enough to take care of every other need in your life? Yes! Of course he does.
Every time you start to get stressed out, pause and say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1 ESV).
God’s going to provide. He’s going to take care of you. Instead of stressing out, look to him to meet all your needs.

Talk It Over

How do you normally react when you have a major need in your life?

What do you need in your life today? Do you trust God to provide for it?

What kinds of things do you think God wants to give you? What do you think he wants you to do with those things?

Source: Daily Hope with Rick Warren.
STAY BLESSED

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/only-god-can-provide/feed/0ASH WEDNESDAY FALLS ON VALENTINE’S DAY – WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/ash-wednesday-falls-on-valentines-day-what-does-that-mean/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/ash-wednesday-falls-on-valentines-day-what-does-that-mean/#respondFri, 09 Feb 2018 06:37:24 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1232Continue reading "ASH WEDNESDAY FALLS ON VALENTINE’S DAY – WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?"]]>Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. – 1 John 4:7-8

INTRODUCTION

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It occurs 46 days before Easter, it will always fall on a Wednesday—there cannot be an “Ash Thursday” or “Ash Monday.” Lent is intended to be a time of self-denial, moderation, fasting, and the forsaking of sinful activities and habits. Ash Wednesday commences this period of spiritual discipline. According to the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where He endured temptation by Satan. Lent originated as a mirroring of this, fasting 40 days as preparation for Easter. Ash Wednesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, and some Baptists.

For the first time since 1945, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday will fall on the same day—February 14, 2018. That’s right, the holiday set aside for lavishing our loved ones with chocolates, classy restaurants and red roses shares the exact same calendar date as the first day of Lent, a season many Christians will begin to practice intentional sacrifice in preparation for Easter.

So, what does this mean? As Christians, how do we participate in the pink-and-red, heart-shaped festivities while observing the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice? To answer this question we must take a close look and go a little deeper into the two very different observances. And, then look to Scripture to find the answers. So, here we go…

Origins of Valentine’s Day

No one is quite sure how Valentine’s Day started – some say it began as a Roman party that was transformed into a celebration of St. Valentine, who we know very little about. Some say the poet Chaucer connected St. Valentine to romance because it was at a time when birds started to mate and plants began to bloom. Whatever the case may be, Valentine’s Day as we know it today began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. And, by the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small gifts of affection or handwritten notes.

Origins of Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a forty-day period that represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring temptation and preparing to begin his ministry. It’s a time Christians practice intentional sacrifice, along with repentance. Many Christians will attend ceremonies where ashes in the shape of a cross will be smudged on their foreheads—the ashes: a reminder of their mortality; the cross: a reminder of the good news that through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ all is forgiven.

So, let’s recap:

Valentine’s Day: Not quite sure who or what started the celebration. Turned into what we now know as Valentine’s Day in the 17th century. Friends and lovers exchange gifts.

Ash Wednesday: Honors the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus endured temptation after temptation from the enemy – and NEVER gave in. Christians practice intentional sacrifice to prepare their hearts and minds for Easter.

Now what? As Christians, what do we do on February 14, 2018. The world points to Valentine’s Day (which some of us like too), but as Christians isn’t Lent more important? Oh how to balance? How can we be in the world and not of it. Let’s take a look at Scripture for some guidance.

In John 2:1-11, Jesus is attending a wedding celebration with His mother Mary. And, at this wedding, the family ran out of wine for their guests. Culturally this would have brought disgrace on the family, it was considered a matter of honor to plan well and provide for all the guests.

Mary then asked her Son to change it. She asked Him to turn it from a moment of disgrace to grand hospitality, to rescue a man who hadn’t planned well, to keep the community of celebration going. She asks because she believes Jesus can change this moment and she so believes that she tells the servers to do whatever He says.

Jesus’ initial response to the situation, “What does that have to do with you and me, woman?” was meant to remind Mary that He had a greater agenda to fulfill than hers or that of the rest of the wedding party. However, following that conversation, He turned six stone water jars into wine for the wedding guests. Therefore, saving the family from humiliation.

Jesus understood and engaged with our world enough to be relevant and yet He continued to be about the work of the Lord. He performed a miracle to help a family avoid a social faux pas—a man-made rule that existed for some unknown reason during His time on Earth. And, while He certainly let us know He had bigger plans, the miracle He chose was one that showed how He was in the world, He understood their traditions. Validated their feelings. Cared for them. Spoke truth.

So this year on February 14, let’s use Valentine’s Day to show others the bigger picture. While Valentine’s Day may be a fleeting society-based, man-made holiday, it’s also a time that we can let others know about the Lord’s unfailing love for us. And, let’s allow our hearts to feel the weight of Ash Wednesday. Because, as Christians, we know that Jesus and the sacrifice He made will remain true—it will be the foundation of who we are for the rest of eternity. So, let’s set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2), but let’s follow the example of Jesus and be just relevant enough to continue the work of the Lord.

As February 14approaches this year, spend some quiet time with God. Ask Him how you should spend your day – and whether that be in prayer, fasting, serving, sharing His love, at church or in the Word, follow His lead and if you do, who knows what miracles might come? Who knows how God can take this ordinary holiday and turn it into something extravagant? Turn water to wine?

TO PONDER:

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. – Proverbs 4:14-17

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/ash-wednesday-falls-on-valentines-day-what-does-that-mean/feed/0RESISTING COMPROMISEhttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/resisting-compromise/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/resisting-compromise/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 12:27:13 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1241Continue reading "RESISTING COMPROMISE"]]>“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23 GNT).
Concession begins in a seemingly insignificant way. For instance, someone might want you to make a financial decision that you know in your heart is unwise. But you go along with the plan because you don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings. You have compromised the message of the Holy Spirit, who warned you.
Small compromises lead to more serious ones. With each successive concession, our conscience is weakened. Ultimately, whenever we give way to evil—whether we let go of a doctrinal belief or simply listen to music that taints our thoughts—we always lose.
We compromise for a variety of reasons. Many do so from a fear of rejection or of being unappreciated. Some choose this route to avoid conflict. Still others may begin to doubt God’s trustworthiness or goodness; as a result, they give up on Him, compromising their basic beliefs and undermining their reason for assurance.
To be men and women who are strong enough to resist making concessions, we need to develop some essential armor. First, we must have strong convictions about the Bible and depend on it as a guide for daily living. Next, we need to have faith in God’s promise to supply all of our needs. Finally, we must find the courage to trust in Him, even when we are misunderstood, persecuted, or falsely accused. When we surrender our life to God, He replaces enslavement to compromise with security in Him.

Source: In Touch Ministries.
STAY BLESSED

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/resisting-compromise/feed/0YOUR LIFE IS SHAPED BY YOUR THOUGHTShttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/your-life-is-shaped-by-your-thoughts/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/your-life-is-shaped-by-your-thoughts/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 10:01:24 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1225Continue reading "YOUR LIFE IS SHAPED BY YOUR THOUGHTS"]]>“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23 GNT).

God is far more interested in changing your mind than changing your circumstances.
We want God to take away all of our problems, pain, sorrow, suffering, sickness, and sadness. But God wants to work on you first, because transformation won’t happen in your life until you renew your mind, until your thoughts begin to change.

Why is it so important that you learn how to manage your mind? Let me give you three reasons.

Manage your mind, because your thoughts control your life.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (GNT). Your thoughts are powerful and have the tremendous ability to shape your life for good or for bad. For example, maybe you accept the thought someone told you when you were growing up: “You’re worthless. You don’t matter.” If you accepted that thought, even though it was wrong, it shaped your life.

Manage your mind, because the mind is the battleground for sin.

All temptation involves the mind. Paul says in Romans 7:22-23, “I love to do God’s will so far as my new nature is concerned; but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. In my mind I want to be God’s willing servant, but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin” (TLB).

One of the reasons why you get mentally fatigued is because there’s a battle in your brain 24 hours a day. It’s debilitating because it’s intense, and it’s intense because your mind is your greatest asset. Satan wants your greatest asset!

Manage your mind, because it’s the key to peace and happiness.

An unmanaged mind leads to tension; a managed mind leads to tranquility. An unmanaged mind leads to conflict; a managed mind leads to confidence. An unmanaged mind leads to stress. When you don’t try to control your mind and the way you direct your thoughts, you will have an enormous amount of stress in your life. But a managed mind leads to strength and security and serenity.

“Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NLT).

Source: Daily Hope with Rick Warren.
STAY BLESSE

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/your-life-is-shaped-by-your-thoughts/feed/0Do what the Word sayshttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/do-what-the-word-says/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/do-what-the-word-says/#respondMon, 05 Feb 2018 12:09:17 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1216Continue reading "Do what the Word says"]]>But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22, NLT

You know the scene: Your husband is busy watching TV, and you’re trying to get his attention to tell him something important. He finally turns the sound down and turns to listen to you. You talk to him, but it seems as if what you said has gone in one ear and out the other. His lights are on but no one seems to be home. And the fact that nothing happens as a result of your conversation reminds you of the wide gap between listening and doing.

Or here’s another one: You stand at the altar and pledge to your groom and he to you that you will be there for each other through sickness and health, ’til death do you part. Years later, you’re older and not quite as healthy, and your husband decides that it is time to find someone younger. He heard the words at the altar but failed to do them.

But you also know of instances where the same shoe fits, but you don’t wear it. You’ve got a little habit that irritates him. You know this because he mentions it regularly. But you can’t seem to fit into your schedule such things as noting how full the gas tank is on the car, checking the oil, or monitoring the balance in the checkbook. You listen to his arguments; they make sense, but you just don’t get around to doing.

If we read God’s Word but don’t do what it says, how deep is our faith? Do we only follow God when things are going our way? What about when times get rough? The Bible tells us to fill our minds with things that are pure (see Philippians 4:8). However, when you don’t feel loved by your husband, does that make it okay to enjoy television shows promoting extramarital sex?

It’s not always easy to follow God–he never said that it would be. But God’s Word can only make a difference in our lives if we allow it to enter our hearts and minds. I may tell my parents that I love them, but if I don’t take the time to help them, my words are fruitless. If I really love my parents, I’ll do what I can for them. More importantly, if I really believe that God loves me, then I should love others.

Take the time to evaluate your life. Does your “doing” reflect what you have heard from God’s Word? Do you love others as God tells us to? Do you really believe how much God loves you? Don’t just read God’s Word but apply it to your life.

STAY BLESSED

]]>http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/do-what-the-word-says/feed/0JESUS TEACHES US TO PRAYhttp://saltandlightministriesgh.org/jesus-teaches-us-to-pray/
http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/jesus-teaches-us-to-pray/#respondSat, 03 Feb 2018 05:32:52 +0000http://saltandlightministriesgh.org/?p=1204Continue reading "JESUS TEACHES US TO PRAY"]]>“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” -Luke 11:1 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION

Generally, prayer is a special act of communication through which requests are made by one, of another. So, for example, in a courtroom lawyers “pray” judges to grant some requests. Such requests or petitions are usually offered in different settings to one who is perceived to be able to meet those needs. These special requests can be presented directly by the one in need, or on his behalf by another person. Depending on the setting where prayers are offered—courtroom, parliament, church, etc.—prayer can be offered for different reasons.

In every religion prayer—this special act of communication—forms a core part of worship. The requirements for the petitions to be granted vary, depending on the type of religion and the deity prayed to. But every genuine worshipper wants to get it right, and ensure that when praying to his god, he is doing so in an acceptable manner. Sometimes, priests and diviners in different religions function as intermediaries for this purpose, and communicate guidelines from the deities to their worshippers on how best to pray to the gods.

In Christianity, prayer is a not merely an integral part of worship, but is actually a relationship with God the Creator. Prayer reveals the bond between the believer and his God and may even convey the terms of that relationship. This is why Jesus taught Christians how to pray. In Matthew 6:5-13, Christ established best practices, and used specific examples to emphasise His points. This prayer is today known as the “Model Prayer” or the “Lord’s Prayer.”

The Model Prayer

There is much controversy in Christianity over how to pray. For instance, some think that you need to be positioned a certain way before prayers can be acceptable. But we know that there is no one correct posture for prayer, for the Bible gives us a snapshot of people who prayed on their knees – 1 Kings 8:54, bowing – Exodus 4:31, on their faces before God – 2 Chronicles 20:18; Matthew 26:39, and standing – 1 Kings 8:22. It is even possible to pray with eyes opened or closed, quietly or loudly—what matters is a posture that facilitates maximum concentration and the least distraction.

There are also other controversies ranging from the right name of God to use to pray, what special words to use, how frequently to use them, which intermediary or intercessor, the loudness or volume of one’s voice in prayer, etc. But Jesus’ Model Prayer debunks all esoteric molds that are wont to shroud the subject of Christian prayer, and teach guidelines that address all controversies so that Christians can enjoy prayer.

What makes this Model Prayer most fascinating is that it was Jesus Himself who taught it. He gave the promise: “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” – John 14:14. How beautiful then that the One to ask for things through prayer is also the One who has taught us how to do the asking! This is far superior to what any intermediary, however good or well-meaning, can teach.

Why Pray?

There are many reasons why Christians need to pray earnestly to God. Let us briefly look at a few of these:

Prayer is a tool that is needed by the one praying, and not the One we pray to. For this reason, Jesus commands us in Matthew 7:7 to “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

As D.L. Moody describes: “Prayer does not mean that I am to bring God down to my thoughts and my purposes, and bend his government according to my foolish, silly, and sometimes sinful notions. Prayer means that I am to be raised up into feeling, into union and design with Him; that I am to enter into His counsel and carry out His purpose fully.”

2. Jesus explained that we need prayer as a shield against the devil’s snares: “Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!“ – Matthew 26:41.

Prayer strengthens our persistence which in turn strengthens our faith in God. Hence, Jesus told His disciples that they “ought always to pray and not lose heart.” –Luke 18:1.

4. Prayer strengthens the bond between us and God. The act of praying to God, and in His name is one that deepens the bonds between us. Jesus asked: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11. This process of asking, responding, and accepting the response, though we might not understand or appreciate at the time, helps to strengthen the relationship in ways that singing, Bible study, and other disciplines of Christianity cannot accomplish.

5. Prayer strengthens the bond between us and other believers. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18. James added: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16. This is why Charles Spurgeon said that “a prayerless church member is a hindrance. He is in the body like a rotting bone or a decayed tooth. Before long, since he does not contribute to the benefit of his brethren, he will become a danger and a sorrow to them. Neglect of private prayer is the locust which devours the strength of the church.”

What to Pray?

The content of prayer is one that has many Christians in a bind. Jesus warned us not to make ‘much ado about nothing.’ He said: “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” – Matthew 6:7-8.

The use of “empty phrases” and “many words” is emphasized here. Neither of the two guarantees answers to prayers, otherwise stammerers, those without eloquence and oratorical skills, and many of those without formal schooling in certain languages will have no hope. If Jesus died for all men, and has placed no restriction on whosoever believes in Him, why would He then restrict the prayers of those who pray to Him because of their inability to use words in a certain way? That is not at all the case, hence Jesus’ emphatic warning, “Do not be like them,” that is, those who rely on “empty phrases” and “many words.”

Solomon also lends his voice to the same caution: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” – Ecclesiastes 5:2

But Christ did not end at just the use of “empty phrases” and “many words.” He reminds us that God, the Father, knows what we need even before we ask Him in our prayers, so there’s no need for words or phrases calculated to flatter, cajole, or confuse Him into granting what we need. After all, we are not presenting something unknown to Him. He not only knows our needs, but He knows when they should be provided and in what quantity.

Sometimes, people serve food on their plates based on how hungry they think they are. Then midway they get full and cannot finish what is still heaped on their plates. There is no room for that with God. He knows what, when, and how much we need. He will therefore not be stampeded into action by us. This is why the apostle Paul counselled later that we should be calm and not fuss about our requests: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6.

When to Pray?

There is no good or bad time to pray; anytime—morning, noon, evening, night is fine.

Apostle Paul said: “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. David said: “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” – Psalm 5:3. He added: “Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and He hears my voice.” – Psalm 55:17. Daniel: “got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” – Daniel 6:10. And it is said of Jesus, that “he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” – Luke 6:12.

TO PONDER:

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. – Proverbs 4:14-17

Stay blessed!

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